Obituary

Dale Lloyd Gifford, 68, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 22nd, in his home in Libertyville, Illinois after a brief and valiant fight with cancer. He was surrounded by family as he moved on to continue his work for The Kingdom of God. 

Dale was born on May 30, 1950 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to the late Wilfred and Priscilla Gifford.  He attended Ladysmith High School and was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1968.  Dale studied Actuarial Science at The University of Wisconsin – Madison. While a student, Dale married his High School Sweetheart Becky (Jordan) Gifford on December 19, 1970.  In May of 1972 Dale graduated and embarked on a career doing what he loved.

Dale started as an Actuary at Hewitt Associates in the summer of 1972 and remained there until his retirement in 2006.  During those years, Dale served in a variety of roles, including Manager in the Actuarial Group, Southwest Region Manager, Midwest Region Manager and Manager of Hewitt International offices. In 1992, Dale was appointed as the third Chief Executive of Hewitt Associates and when Hewitt went public in June 2002, Dale became the Chairman of the Hewitt Board as well as CEO – both positions he held until his 2006 retirement. Throughout Dale’s professional tenure he was regarded as a bright, humble leader who always made time for those around him. These traits carried over to Dale’s philanthropic endeavors as well, where he mentored and developed countless leaders while serving on boards to several Christian organizations. 

During his retirement Dale stayed very active enjoying time with family and friends, seeing the world and continuing to serve in several ministries. Dale’s interests were vast and he focused his time, talents and treasure in places he felt he could have the most impact – including 5 years in an Executive Pastor role. He also had a special place in his heart for children who lacked access to quality education and healthcare and was committed to do what he could to help. 

In recognition of this, the family is asking in lieu of flowers for contributions to be made to Oasis for Orphans, an organization that deeply touched Dale and his family. Contributions towards the Dale Gifford Memorial Fund will be used to provide quality education and healthcare to orphans in the southwest region of Kenya. 

Dale is survived by his wife Becky; his children Scott (Jennifer), Derek (Ariele) and Kristen Holdcoft (David); his grandchildren Mitchell, Allyson, Jacob, Nathan, Harrison, Kinsie, Bailey and Kelson; and his sister Kathleen.  He is preceded in death by his sister Sandra; and his parents Wilfred and Priscilla.  

The burial will be attended by immediate family only and a celebration of Dale’s life will be held on Friday, July 27th.